Aigues-Mortes facts for kids
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Aigues-Mortes is a historic city in the south of France. Its name means "dead waters" in French. This is because it is surrounded by marshes and lagoons. The city is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
The Romans first founded a settlement here in 102 BC. The name Aigues-Mortes first appeared in records around the 10th century. In the 13th century, King Louis IX of France (also known as Saint Louis) rebuilt the city's port. At that time, it was the only French port on the Mediterranean Sea. The city was designed like a "bastide," which is a planned town with a grid layout. Aigues-Mortes was also the starting point for two major historical journeys: the Seventh Crusade (in 1248) and the Eighth Crusade (in 1270).
Over time, the coastline changed. This means Aigues-Mortes is now several miles away from the sea. Today, a canal connects the city to the sea. The city is famous for its very well-preserved city walls. In 1999, about 6,000 people lived there. Aigues-Mortes is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the city of Nîmes.
Contents
A City of History and Salt
Aigues-Mortes has a rich past, especially linked to its port and salt production.
The King's Port
King Louis IX needed a port on the Mediterranean Sea. This port would allow him to send ships and soldiers for the Crusades. He chose Aigues-Mortes because of its location. He built a strong city with impressive walls and a large tower. This tower is called the Tour de Constance. It was built to protect the city and its port.
Salt Marshes
The area around Aigues-Mortes is known for its salt marshes. People have been collecting salt here for a very long time. The saltworks are still active today. They create large piles of white salt, which look like snowy mountains. This salt has been an important part of the city's economy for centuries.
The Impressive City Walls
The city walls of Aigues-Mortes are some of the best-preserved in France. They completely surround the old city.
Walking on the Walls
Visitors can walk along the top of the ramparts. From there, you can see amazing views of the city. You can also see the surrounding salt marshes and canals. The walls have many towers and gates. They show how strong the city was in medieval times.
Tour de Constance
The Tour de Constance is the most famous tower in Aigues-Mortes. It was built by King Louis IX. It served as a lighthouse, a watchtower, and even a prison. Many people were held captive here, especially during religious conflicts.
Images for kids
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Louis IX on a ship departing from Aigues-Mortes, for the Seventh Crusade
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Map of Aigues-Mortes and its access to the sea
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Aigues-Mortes Plan
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The saltworks at Aigues-Mortes
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Aerial view of Aigues-Mortes
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Tower of Constance
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Panoramic view of the Ramparts from the south-east at the coast
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The Carbonnière Tower
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Statue of Saint-Louis
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The Canal du Rhône à Sète traversing Aigues-Mortes
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Letter from Mr. Fargeon, administrator of the Canal of Aigues-Mortes, 25 November 1806
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The canal du Rhône à Sète in 1915
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City walls 1
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City walls 2
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City walls 3
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City walls 4
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City wall 5
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City wall 6
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City wall 7
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City wall 8
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The entrance of the Queen, Aigues-Morte in 1867, by Frédéric Bazille, displayed at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Aerial view of the Carbonnière Tower
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Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons
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Statue of Saint-Louis in the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons
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Remains of a crucifix in the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons
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Aigues-Mortes
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Aigues-Mortes
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Map of the town with its isolated keep.
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Tour de Constance
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Tour de Constance
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Interior of city walls.
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Interior of the town ramparts.
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Southern wall.
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Main Gate in southern wall.
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Another gate in the southern wall.
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Western wall from Tour de Constance.
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Northern wall.
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View of the southern ramparts and the salt marshes.
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Ramparts of the town of Aigues-Mortes.
See also
In Spanish: Aigues-Mortes para niños
